Inhabitat has covered Spain's stunning <a href="http://www.metropolsevilla.com">Metropol Parasol</a> in the past - and we even <a href="http://inhabitat.com/video-inhabitat-interviews-metropol-parasol-architect-juergen-mayer-h/3/">interviewed the project's designer</a> <a href="http://www.jmayerh.de/home.htm">Jürgen Mayer</a> - but this is the first time we've actually had a chance to visit the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/metropol-parasol-the-worlds-largest-wooden-structure-opens-in-seville/">world's largest wooden structure</a>, and it's like walking on a giant waffle roller coaster! Comprised of six curvilinear parasols that reference the nearby Cathedral of Seville, the 85-foot-tall monument constructed of bonded timber with a polyurethane coating has drawn scores of visitors since it opened last year. Flip through our gallery for a close look at all four levels and hit the jump to learn more about what makes this project so special.

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Inhabitat got to visit the Metropol Parasol in Spain for the first time!

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is the world's largest timber structure

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It is located in the old quarter of Seville in southern Spain

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It is 490 x 230 feet wide and 85 feet tall

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Construction commenced in 2005 and was completed in April, 2011

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The Metropol Parasol is one of the most visited structures in all of Seville

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The six parasols reference the nearby Cathedral of Seville

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It is constructed mostly out of bonded timber with a polyurethane coating

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

There are four levels (this is the uppermost)

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is just one of the parasols

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Close up of the bonded timber panels

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The ramps wind around the enormous structure like a giant roller coaster

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Seating and even a restaurant are available

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The Metropol Parasol has some of the best views of the city

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It takes about 45 minutes to explore all four levels

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

We love the fluid dynamic of the place, as well as the fun lighting and shadows

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Roller coaster, right?

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The project was designed to revive an ancient open air marketplace

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Notice the city in the far background.

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It cost roughly 100 Euros!

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

It costs less than 2 Euro to visit

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is the old city, which has a long and interesting history

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Although this structure is very sturdy, it's hard not to get a little seasick up here

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The parasols curve and were originally designed to mimic fungus

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is outdoor seating for the restaurant

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The bonded timber panels look like giant waffles

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

The white buildings in the background are typical of Andalusia

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is where the open air marketplace is held

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Notice the small tents on the ground... these give a sense of the project's incredible scale

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Wheeeeee

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

This is the staircase leading out from the underground Antiquarium

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Even the elevator is cool!

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Learn all about the site's history as well as the project's controversial development in the underground Antiquarium (in Spanish)

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Metropol Parasol in Spain

Inhabitat has covered Spain's stunning Metropol Parasol in the past - and we even interviewed the project's designerJürgen Mayer - but this is the first time we've actually had a chance to visit the world's largest wooden structure, and it's like walking on a giant waffle roller coaster! Comprised of six curvilinear parasols that reference the nearby Cathedral of Seville, the 85-foot-tall monument constructed of bonded timber with a polyurethane coating has drawn scores of visitors since it opened last year. Flip through our gallery for a close look at all four levels and hit the jump to learn more about what makes this project so special.